Guess what?

Greetings from Ciudad Sandino:

We are struggling through the heat and dust of the 2 hottest months here in Nicaragua: March and April. The the rains will come soon after and cool things down bringing a host of fresh, rich colors to the landscape.

Life has been so crazy I haven't had time to stop and write. 

As you know, it has been on my heart for years to open up my own home for children in need here in Nicaragua. I thought that opportunity had finally come when I sent you the update last November. Since then, God has been moving and shaking and doing amazing things. (as only He can!) There are so many miracles woven into this story, too numerous to mention them all, but I couldn't write this update without reminding you guys that God is still a God of miracles in this day and age!) Hallelujah!!

Long story short, the whole plan changed. I ended up living and working around the clock in an orphanage in Managua. I was there alone during the Christmas and New Year holidays since the promised help did not show up. It was even more clear to me during that time that when the ratio of children to adults is high, it is impossible to love and care for them as they deserve. It made me more determined, against all odds, to open up my own home, according to God's plan for my life. And the worldly odds were stacked highly against me. A foreigner with no transportation and no money.

My car was wrecked in an accident back in December leaving me without transportation, and my meagre bank account had been frozen for some reason. Thankful to be alive, after the awful car wreck, I was now completely dependant on God to do anything!

 Again, to cut a long story short: with God's amazing provision, direction and favor, on February 20th 2014 I got my final approval from The Ministry of Family to receive children in critical need into my own home to love and care for them until such time as they could either return to family or be adopted into a family. Phew, long sentence!

I think it is similar to the foster care program in USA. They are called "hogares solidarias" here/translated Support Homes. I am the first foreigner to be accepted into this program in this delegation! Thank you LORD!

Within hours of me getting certified they brought me a two year old, and a few days later, 4 siblings who had been abandoned. That was full house for me. I have decided not to take more than 5 children at a time, so I can love them fully and operate as a normal family unit, the way God intended. 

On top of that, I was voted as President for the local delegation of support homes. I have to plan the annual calendar with a monthly event/teaching. I will kick of the program next Wednesday with a testimony on how and why I am here doing this and a presentation on childcare and keeping records of the children. May God be glorified in ALL I do and say. I could not have done any of this without Him, neither can I get through a day or even a minute without His help. 

My friends, I appreciate your continued support with prayer, love, encouragement and finances, especially now my family has grown! Please pray that I may have wisdom when making decisions concerning the children regarding doctors, dentists, schools, menus, etc. and for continued provision. Thank you so very much!

So that is the latest news here!

Now it's your turn! Please do write back and let me know what God is doing in your life, or what you would like to see Him do so I can join you in prayer!!

I love you guys!

May you be richly Blessed in all you do!

blessed to be a blessing,

in His hands,

andrea

YES!!

Hi Folks!

Pinch me, for real? Yes, it is really happening!!!!! Overflow, abundance, dreams coming true!

On December 1, 2013 the doors will open at the home I've been dreaming of for the past 5 years. A place where I can care for children in need in a family atmosphere. Those of you who have partnered with me at various stages of this  adventure know that this has been a long time coming!   

I will start out with 8 children living with me: two 6 year olds and the other 6 children ages 2 and under. I am partnering with another missionary couple to help meet the current needs in Nicaragua in conjunction with the local Ministry of Family. (MOF)

There has been a shift on the adoption scene lately. A good one. God has moved on the hearts of those in authority, and adoptions are going through so much quicker these days. There have also been changes in the adoption laws: one change is for babies who are abandoned at birth in hospitals. They can now go directly to a pre approved family to be adopted immediately, and not even have to go through the doors of an orphanage. This is huge!!!! In the past I have seen such cases take up to 5 years to be approved. The child has then spent the first 5 years of their life in an orphanage and has to then transition into "normal family life."

All this to say, there are now fewer babies and children in orphanages. Great!! May I add,  in the words of a dear friend, that it should never have been our intention to "warehouse children." Our goal should  always be to place them within a family unit as soon as possible and have them grow and develop in the way God intended for each one of us. Let's face it, God designed the family unit.  And that is how I plan to operate this new home.  So no, I am not opening up an orphanage! I am simply opening up my home to those children in need for as long as they need it.  I have the love of a Mother, the love of a  Grandmother and more important, the Love of God to share with them. (and by The Grace of God, I believe we have favor with The MOF!)

I just want a normal life for each one of these children. I want them to do normal things, like going to the grocery store with me, going to church with me, and all the normal things a family would do together! I remember once taking a boy from one of the orphanages grocery shopping with me. He was about 5 years old. He screamed as I picked him up and put him in the trolley (translated cart in USA?). I had no idea why he was so scared, but then found out he thought I was putting him in a cage. He had never seen a grocery cart before and didn't know what was happening to him! 

For me, this home is such a special gift from The LORD, an answer to prayer!

Please join us in continued prayer and praise to Our Father:

* for His continued guidance and provision, we cannot and will not do this without Him!

* safety and protection for all of us in the home

* for the right people to work with us. May God bring us good, honest followers of Jesus to work in unity with the children He places in our home.

* for sincere hearts at all times, may all we do be motivated by a genuine love for Christ and a desire to do His will. May we win others to Christ by example, by being the Living Bible to others.

* May we always have attitudes of gratitude!

Father we thank you for this opportunity to be co laborers with your Son, Jesus.

By The Way: I will still be working with the feeding program in Los Cedros: God's Jewels and will send an update on that soon. Thanks!

Blessed to be a blessing, 

In His Hands,

andrea

Who is your God?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8ZF6FVcSdQ

Amen!

wait!

Thank you for your prayers during this time of transition. 

I enjoyed my month subbing at NCA and working with the children I told you about while their parents  were in USA, but all is quiet on the Western Front again. I know I am to wait on The LORD but have to confess I do not do waiting very well. Don't get me wrong, I am enjoying this time to catch up on getting organised and ready for the next step in ministry here. 

There are several different projects I could start working on, but am not feeling led  to take any of them on at this time. I feel I need to be ready and available whenever God brings me the children He has for me to care for. I sometimes get up in the middle of the night to pray for them, the little ones who are suffering and who will come, even though I don't know any of them by name yet. I know He does and am waiting on His perfect timing. 

I am working with Antonio, a 5 year old boy from one of the orphanages. He needs to go to therapy on Wednesdays, so I enjoy spending that time with him, and helping him to learn english. A dear friend of mine is in the process of preparing to adopt from Nicaragua, so please keep her in your prayers: hopefully it will work out for her to take Antonio into her family.

On Saturdays you can still find me in Los Cedros working with the community God has placed on my heart since I moved here in 2007. Angela continues on with her feeding program, God's Jewels, despite a major setback this past week when her Grandmother passed away. We are so gratefull to all of you who provide the finances for this program, we could not do it without your help. Especially since I gave up my full time ministry at NCA in June. I walk daily by Faith knowing God has each of my days written in His book before one of them ever come to be.

                                                         

I am also making the most of my time in waiting by digging deeper into The Word.  As well as studying Beth Moore's "The Patriarchs." I have enrolled in classes with an online Bible Institute recommended by Don and Cindi Marsh. I just completed my first course and got 100 percent on my first exam. Eagerly looking forward to the next class.  

I am still praying for a speedy resolution regarding my Nicaragua immigration deposit. I am waiting to hear how much I have to pay for settlement: it could be anywhere from $500 to $2,000. 

My dental work is still in process, and while I am grateful for this opportunity, I am not enjoying it one bit! It has been the most uncomfortable, painful experience I can remember. I am getting used to drinking most of my meals these days, the liquidiser is getting a work out! Thanks Theresa for the chicken broth you sent me back with, it has been one of my lifelines. Along with a dear friend here who brings me soft foods to eat. She sent me home with garlic mashed potatoes yesterday, thank you!!!

It was about this time last year that the Vineyard commissioned a small team to come and visit some of God's Ministries here in Nicaragua. It was such a great encouragement to me and I look back on that time with fond memories and hope now of another visit soon! 

I do have prayer requests from some of you and I can assure you I lift them up to The LORD. Feel free to email me if I can pray for something specific for you and your family.  Thank you!

Please join me in praising God and thanking Him for His continued provision and protection. All Glory and Honor to Him.

May His will be done here on earth as it is in Heaven.

And may we have the wisdom to know what our part is in His plan.

May God lavish His extravagant blessings on you. Amen!

hugs from me x

Happy Birthday to you Fernanda!!!

Saturday September 21st: today is Fernandas 2nd birthday!

 Sad that this is her birthday meal, on the floor in the dirt. Yet rejoicing and thankful that she has food. It/s all a matter of perspective really..... thank you for allowing me to be a small part of their lives LORD, I truly love these little ones, your precious children.

Abuelita/Mamita Maria

When I left for the USA in June this year, Angela's Grandma was healthy and happy. Here is a photo of her with her daughter Sonya and two of her grandsons, Angela's brothers.

Angela's Mother, Sonya, with her Mother: Doña Maria, and two sons, Angela's brothers!

Mamita Maria with her newest grandbaby Ruth in July this year. (Not April as the photo notes!)

When I got back in August, I was surprised to hear she is now bedridden and very sick. She cannot eat solid food and is losing weight rapidly. She complained of being dizzy and weak and was unable to even sit up. I took her a large can of Ensure to help her get some nourishment. Sonya said it helped her get her appetite back and she is now eating a little rice and soup. 

One of the girls I have been looking after prays for Grandma Maria and lays on healing hands: with the pure faith of a child.

One of the teens I have been looking after prays fervently for miracles of healing.

Some of the children from my church came with me to pray for healing for Abuelita Maria.

This photo was taken back in June at one of our Saturday afternoon lunches with God's Jewels.

Please join us in prayer for a miracle of healing for Doña Maria.

News from NICARAGUA!

June/July/Destination USA: it was good to travel and visit so many great friends and family across the USA. Many thanks to all who shared amazing hospitality and love!

And what kind of a Grandma would I be if I didn’t mention the highlight of the trip: the birth of my new grandson London David Burgess. 

June 19th 2013 / 8:21 am /  8lbs 3 oz

London David Burgess

He is healthy, happy and so handsome / I am totally in love with him. I snuggled with him as often as I could, knowing how hard it would be to say farewell. I enjoyed every waking minute, and even watched over him as he slept!  I am very thankful for the gift of being present at his birth. The miracle of watching a new life emerge and hearing the newborns first cries never get old.... I am in awe of the gift of life itself. 

August/Back in Nicaragua: after just a couple of days in a guest house, I found a very nice one bed apartment to move into. I borrowed a mattress and slept on it on the floor until I was able to get help moving in about a week later. It is smaller than where I was living before, so am getting ruthless about sorting through stuff and giving away all the things I really don’t need anymore! 

Opportunities to serve opened up immediately once I was back. First, I helped to care for 4 children ages 1 to 7 while their mother travelled out of Nicaragua for a wedding. Secondly, I was asked to look after 3 children, ages 4, 5 and 16 for a month. Their parents had to return to USA with another sibling who needed further surgery and treatment in her battle with cancer. So I get to hang out with these precious angels, and the cool thing about this is that I looked after the two younger ones when they were babies! Now adopted into a wonderful Christian home, it is so encouraging to see what God has done in their lives. With God nothing is impossible! Some of you may remember baby Gabriella.

Me and baby Gabriella Christmas 2009

Gabriella on the L with her sister Sadie, last week.

On top of all this, I have the privilege of being substitute teacher at NCA for about a month. I covered a few classes teaching English at first, and am now covering Special Education for kinder through 12th grade. It has been such a blessing to be back at NCA again. As you can see, never a dull moment.

Please join me in prayer about the next step in ministry. I know God has placed children in critical need on my heart and I am confident that He will guide me in the right direction.  

visiting children in the city dump, Managua

I thank you all for your continued support with prayers, love, hospitality, encouragement and finances,

My dear friends, as Heidi Baker writes in her book "Compelled by LOVE.” I pray that you may have the riches of the poor because as Matthew 5v3 says: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is The Kingdom of Heaven."

With love in Christ,

From me

Andrea J